Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Our Sprinkler division has been growing every year since we originally began servicing sprinklers back in 2008. Our purchase of Protec Sprinklers in 2011 launched us firmly into the fire sprinkler estimating, and construction side of the industry, and we have also grown that part of our business very nicely having completed a number of high profile projects last year such as Cabela’s, and the Walmart Superstore in Steinbach to name a couple.

As we continued to grow the need for additional expertise became apparent and when we talked with James Bryden we knew that we had found a person that fit into The Herd perfectly. James has 18 years in the sprinkler industry with 9 as a pipe fitter, and the rest in estimation, and project management. As we spoke we realized that his dedication to professional service, and customer care mirrored ours, and the decision to have him join us became an easy one.

The sprinkler industry has no shortage of unique requirements whether it’s from a construction point of view, a code issue, or meeting the needs of the customer. James has the experience, and expertise to ensure that every project we do will be done to meet our very high standards, while meeting or exceeding fire code, and guaranteeing customer satisfaction.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Last week I got the letter from CSAM (Construction Safety Association of Manitoba) telling us that we had successfully completed ou COR Certification and all privileges that come with it! It was a very exciting day and the culmination of a lot of hard work done by everyone in this office. They deserve (and have received) a huge pat on the back for their efforts.

Because of our relationship to the safety industry we have always appreciated what COR does for the businesses and people that have earned the high rankings that come with COR. As an employer I never want my people hurt at work or at home, and I know my staff and their families very well. Many started here as single guys that now have wives and children that we see around the office or at any one of the several staff functions we do throughout the year this is personal for me.

Through the process of becoming COR Certified an interesting development occurred. Maurice Guimond took complete ownership of the process for certification, and worked very closely with the staff at 1 Life Workplace Safety and Health to create a process that would be easy for the rest of the staff to adhere to, and that would remain sustainable for many years to come. With Maurice fully engaged in his task he then brought the rest of the staff up several notches in their commitment to safety and in doing so he took a group of people that already worked incredibly well together and brought them even closer. He fully prepared them for the audits, and before you knew it they were coaching each other, and helping reduce the stress that being quizzed by an auditor can create.

We have always had a great group of people I’ve said as much in many previous posts but having gone through the COR Certification process we are not only safer, but as a group stronger with a renewed desire to watch each other’s backs in safety, to support each other in training and product knowledge, and of course customer service. As I said we are safe to the COR!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Friday afternoon was a very special day, and not just because I was going to hear The State of the City address from Mayor Sam Katz. The special part for me was the award I was told I was going to receive for the time and effort I have put towards The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce throughout 2013. I had been taken off to one side at a meeting and told by Dave Angus how much The Chamber appreciated the efforts I was giving, and that I would be receiving The Rookie of the Year Award! I was thrilled!

This award was presented to me, but I can’t take all of the credit for earning it. It would never have happened if I couldn’t have dedicated the time required to attend the meetings and functions. Without the support of my business partner Emile Jolicoeur, or our staff I wouldn’t have had the freedom to slip away from the office. I can also say that The Chamber Staff played a part in this as well especially Deborah Woodbeck whose guidance and suggestions helped me choose when and where I best fit into the functions The Chamber offers.

I said in a Tweet Friday afternoon that it is humbling to get an award from The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce because I truly feel they have given me far more support that I have given them!